The Premier League schedule hasn’t been kind to Luton in December. The newly promoted Hatters face off against reigning champion Manchester City just days following their clash with Arsenal at Kenilworth Road. Rob Edwards’ “evolving” team put up an intense fight against Arsenal, only to suffer a devastating 97th-minute goal by Declan Rice, resulting in a painful defeat.Despite the loss, there were positives for the Luton supporters as their team fiercely competed against the league leaders. This competitiveness at home has been a trend, with none of their seven league games at Kenilworth Road being decided by more than a one-goal margin. However, Luton has often found themselves on the wrong side of these close matches (W1, D2, L4). They’ve managed to score in six of those games, indicating that almost every home league match this season has seen both teams finding the net.##NAJAVA_MECA_7729437##If there ever was an opportune moment to face Manchester City, it might be now. Pep Guardiola’s side is enduring their joint-longest PL winless streak since November 2009, having failed to secure a win in their last four league games (D3, L1). City’s recent 1-0 defeat against high-flying Aston Villa exposed vulnerabilities, with the team registering just two shots – the lowest tally ever by a Guardiola-managed side in a league game! And to top it off – the Treble holders will be without first-choice striker Erling Haaland today.This could serve as a wake-up call for City as they aim to secure a record fourth consecutive title. Despite their recent dominance, their last win away at Luton was 12 years prior to the PL era. Considering they’ve already suffered three away defeats in the league this season, prolonging that winless run won’t bode well for their aspirations.OFFICIAL: Erling Haaland is not in the Manchester City squad to face Luton Town this afternoon. ❌#LUTMCI pic.twitter.com/MUdWUoikEW— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) December 10, 2023 Luton’s defenders have been contributing in attack, scoring in their recent two home games. Wing-back Alfie Doughty showcased his creativity against Arsenal by providing assists for their opening two strikes. On the City side, Rodri’s return will be welcomed, especially since he has already found the net against fellow newly-promoted sides Burnley and Sheffield United.Guardiola will surely see this game as a chance to break his team’s unusually poor run. Goliath is happy to face David – but that’s nothing new.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 16SaturdayCrystal Palace – Liverpool 1-2 (0-0)/Mateta 57 pen – Salah 76, Elliott 90+1/Sheffield Utd – Brentford 1-0 (1-0)/McAtee 45+1/Brighton – Burnley 1-1 (0-1)/Adingra 77 – Odobert 45/Man Utd – Bournemouth 0-3 (0-1)/Solanke 5, Billing 68, Senesi 73/Wolverhampton – Nott. Forest 1-1 (1-1)/Cunha 32 – Toffolo 14/Aston Villa – Arsenal (1-0)/McGinn 7/Sunday17.00: (14.0) Luton (8.00) Man.City (1.20)17.00: (3.20) Everton (3.40) Chelsea (2.25)17.00: (2.45) Fulham (3.50) West Ham (3.05)19.30: (2.20) Tottenham (3.60) Newcastle (3.40)***odds are subject to change***
